Maine cheesemakers brought home top honors at the 2026 Northeast Gold Medal Cheese Competition, earning awards across multiple categories in a regional contest that drew entries from all six New England state.
Six Maine creameries were recognized during the annual competition; each was judged in a blind tasting on flavor, texture, appearance and overall quality.
The 2026 winners from the Pine Tree State are:
- Balfour Farm, Pittsfield, for its Haymaker, Field Day and Smokey Ghost cheddars, Town Square Taleggio, Applewood Smoked feta, gouda and cheddar, Sea Breeze Brined and Smooth Sailing feta, Garlic Bevré and Chive Bevré
- Fuzzy Udder Creamery, Whitefield, for its chevre, brebis and Goat Feta
- Lakin’s Gorges Cheese, Waldoboro, for its Rockweed and Opus 42
- Spring Day Creamery, Durham, for its Le Petitou
- Sunset Acres Farm, Brooksville, for its Herb Log, Tomato Basil and Goat Feta
- Three Charm Farm, Alfred, for its feta, plain Skyr and plain chevre.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and commitment of our cheesemakers,” said Christine Cummings, executive director of the Maine Cheese Guild. “Every award represents countless hours of care, from tending healthy animals to perfecting recipes and aging techniques. We couldn’t be prouder of our members and the way they continue to raise the bar for artisan cheese.”
The winners will be among the featured vendors at the 10th annual Maine Cheese Festival on Sunday, Sept. 13, in Pittsfield. The event is expected to include more than 65 Maine cheesemakers, specialty food producers, beverage makers, artisans and musicians.
